Theoretical investigation of cosmic ray processing of solar system ices

Abstract

Space ices containing water, carbon- and nitrogen-rich structures are important in certain chemical and radiation induced processes in Solar System dust systems. Up to now there are no detailed investigations on an energetic particle processing of various ices by ions and electrons, modeling the cosmic ray irradiation over the whole energy range from eV to GeV. Our studies on the ion induced conversion of ices include an examination of the linear energy transfer due to stopping processes, by which the input projectile loses its original energy to particles in the target. This deposited energy rate has been calculated for various species and for different cosmic ray spectra inside and outside of the heliosphere. The results can be used to predict a radiation induced chemical conversion rate of simple chemical species to complex ones by means of forthcoming experimental data. © Author(s) 2008.